Published Jul 11, 2026 | 6:38 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 11, 2026 | 6:38 PM
Telangana student union leaders lay siege to ministers' residential complex. (Supplied)
Synopsis: They pointed out that although the Congress government has been in power for nearly two years, the failure to appoint a full-time Education Minister reveals the government’s negligence towards the education sector. They noted that the lack of leadership in the Education Department has left government schools and colleges struggling with numerous problems.
Telangana student union leaders and activists on Friday, 10 July, laid siege to the state ministers’ residential complex in Hyderabad.
The protest was part of the state wide shutdown of educational institutions, organized to protest the Congress government’s alleged push to the state’s education sector into a severe crisis.
Claiming the shutdown was successful, the student unions in a press release said, “Students across the state participated in the shutdown in large numbers following a call by organizations including SFI, AISF, PDSU, AIDSO, AIFDS, AISB, and AIPSU.”
However, a scuffle ensued when the police obstructed the students who were protesting. Leaders alleged that the police assaulted several students with punches and arrested them forcibly.
They criticized the use of coercive measures against students who were seeking a democratic resolution to their issues, stating that such actions reflect the government’s attitude towards democracy.
They pointed out that although the Congress government has been in power for nearly two years, the failure to appoint a full-time Education Minister reveals the government’s negligence towards the education sector. They noted that the lack of leadership in the Education Department has left government schools and colleges struggling with numerous problems.
They criticized the government for indirectly paving the way for the merger and closure of government schools under the guise of ‘Young India Schools’ and ‘International Schools.’ They expressed concern that the government—which ought to be strengthening public education—is instead adopting policies that jeopardize the very existence of government schools.
They further alleged that the Congress government is hindering the higher education of thousands of poor students by failing to release scholarship funds and fee reimbursement arrears amounting to approximately ₹10,814 crore, which have been pending for six years. They stated that the Congress government, which speaks of social justice, has jeopardized the education of poor students.
(With inputs from Sreshta Ladegaam)
